DETROIT (WXYZ) — Two months after Jacquatta Williams' son was shot and killed outside a lounge on Detroit's east side, her family received the closure they had been desperately searching for.
“Best morning ever, since June 23. Today was the best day ever. I can actually smile today," Jacquatta told 7 Action News on Friday.
Detroit Police confirmed Friday afternoon that Santo Williams' suspected killer was taken into custody in Ann Arbor. His name has not yet been released.
“I couldn’t breathe for a second. I was excited. I cried, but it was tears of joy crying," said Williams' wife, Antoinette Williams.
According to police, 30-year-old Santo Williams was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Cartier Lounge on Morang and Notthingham. His family said he was the victim of random violence in a double shooting.
Williams was a regular DJ at the Cartier Lounge. According to family, he was breaking up a fight when shots were fired June 23.
“He was always the peacemaker and he was the protector of everybody," Antoinette said.
"He was always the peacemaker," says wife of Santo Williams. Today, @detroitpolice took the man suspected of fatally shooting him back in June into custody. Family says Williams was breaking up a fight @wxyzdetroit @CrimeInTheD @MIcrimestoppers #MICrimestoppers pic.twitter.com/WZFqFr5AwT
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) August 31, 2019
Since his death, she’s been fighting for answers; she's now left to raise their 5-year-old daughter by herself.
Just a day before her husband’s suspected killer was found, she addressed him directly during an emotional Crimestoppers press conference.
“You know what you did," she said tearfully Thursday.
“I’ve been working hard for these past two months. Going out east and west, putting up the Speak Up flyers everywhere, going door-to-door."
Both Antoinette and Jacquatta told Action News that while nothing can bring Santo back, their family can now start the healing process.
“I’m just feeling thankful today. I’m just thankful," Antoinette said.
